Small-scale Business Research Articles

Exploring the experiences of UK-based private physiotherapists when running and progressing a physiotherapy business: a hermeneutic phenomenological study

AimTo explore the experiences of UK-based private physiotherapists when running and progressing a physiotherapy business. DesignA hermeneutic phenomenological approach. ParticipantsSix UK-based private physiotherapy practice owners were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. MethodsIn-depth, semi-structured video interviews (2 per participant), audio-recorded and transcribed. Field notes, respondent validation and a reflexive diary were used. Data underwent line-by-line analysis, identifying codes and themes. Constant comparison of data, codes and themes occurred throughout. Peer review was utilised, small sections of data and all emerging codes were independently reviewed. ResultsThree interconnecting themes. Working for myself: participants highlighted the freedom, flexibility and independence of business ownership, whilst acknowledging the additional pressures/challenges associated with this. Evolution of a practice: business growth was slow, requiring income supplementation initially. Successful growth often utilised luck and unexpected opportunities. Working with others: participants faced decisions regarding solo or joint ownership, when/what additional staff were required, whether staff should be employed or self-employed, and how to appropriately manage/support staff. ConclusionsPrivate practice ownership brings an array of benefits and challenges. Areas for future research include exploring the stresses of private roles and business ownership, the evolution of private physiotherapy practices, small-scale business partnerships, and employment vs self-employment. Contribution of the Paper•This research suggests that although private practice ownership brings increased freedom, flexibility, and job satisfaction, this is tempered by an array of increased pressures and responsibilities.•Practice growth was gradual, often involving luck and unexpected opportunities.•Clinic owners face challenging decisions regarding the selection, management and support of additional staff.

KELAYAKAN FINANSIAL USAHA PENGOLAHAN KERUPUK AMPLANG DI KECAMATAN BENUA KAYONG KABUPATEN KETAPANG

Industry is a business or activity that processes raw materials or semi-finished goods into goods that have added value to make a profit. Amplang is a product made from fish mixed with tapioca flour and is very popular with the public. This food is often used as a complement to meals or as a snack. The development of small industries is one of the focuses of the Ministry of Industry because MSMEs make a large contribution to the formation of non-oil and gas processing industry GDP. In the last five years there has been an increase of 2.5 percent from 57.84 percent to 60.34 percent (Performance Report of the Indonesian Ministry of Industry, 2018). Based on the number of businesses/companies according to business field categories and small business scale, the processing industry is in the third largest position, namely 4,373,821 business units spread across Indonesia (Central Statistics Agency, 2015). It is very important to carry out studies regarding feasibility analysis, one of which is as a reference for Amplang business owners in running businesses in the business sector. Analysis is carried out to assess the feasibility of a business from a financial aspect.

Analysis of Smoked Fish Marketing in Selected Local Government Area of Kebbi State

The study examined the marketing of smoked fish in a few Kebbi State local government areas. The study's main goal was to determine how profitable it was to sell smoked fish in a particular local government area in the state of Kebbi. Using a straightforward random sampling approach, information was gathered from 120 marketers of smoked fish. A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather the information. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the gathered data. According to the results, the majority of fish marketers (41.7%) fell between the ages of 21 and 30. Male respondents made up the majority of the sample (65%), while married respondents made up around 91.7%) and those without access to formal education made up about 51.7% of the sample. Further, the result revealed that (55%) of the respondents in the study area had 21-30 years of marketing experience. Additionally, the results show that small-scale businesses account for the majority (54.2%) of smoked fish marketers. According to the study, the distribution of smoked fish in a few local government areas (Bagudo, Bunza, and Yauri) is a decentralized system that allows customers to buy fish straight from the supplier. Notwithstanding the difficulties experienced, it was determined that the marketing of smoked fish in a few local government areas of Kebbi State is profitable. Recommendations were made as follows: In order to minimize the high cost of transportation caused by rising fuel prices and poor roads, financing the sale of smoked fish requires access to fast and reasonably priced loan facilities.

Mendorong Motivasi Wirausaha UMKM untuk Memajukan Ekonomi Masyarakat di Kelurahan Joglo Kota Jakarta Barat

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are business entities managed by individuals, families, or small-scale business units, classified based on annual turnover, asset volume, and workforce. Effective human resource management is essential for MSMEs in systematically organizing finances, enabling business owners to understand their financial conditions and business developments. Easy access to information on assets, liabilities, equity, cash flow, and profit fluctuations provides crucial support for MSME entrepreneurs in making strategic business decisions. This activity not only motivates entrepreneurs to maintain business continuity but also guides them towards achieving desired business and economic goals. The drive to engage in entrepreneurship stems from a strong individual desire to realize self-potential through creative and innovative thinking, creating new products that have a social and economic impact on the local community. The courage to explore and implement new ideas is reinforced by strong entrepreneurial motivation, creating a positive cycle between motivation and action that strengthens the character of resilient and high-quality entrepreneurs.

Technical and Financial Analysis of Floating Lift Net Business in Tulehu Village, Central Maluku Regency

Uncertainty of sustainability is a common problem in the fisheries business due to the nature of the fishes, which are seasonal and highly perishable. Therefore, financial analysis of this kind of business is essential to maintain its sustainability. Many small-scale fishing businesses requires an organized financial record keeping. This research is aimed at (1). Analyze the technical conditions of the floating lift net business in Tulehu Village, Central Maluku Regency, and (2) Analyze the financial aspects of the floating lift net business in Tulehu Village, Central Maluku Regency. The results show that the floating lift net in Tulehu Village measured 18m x 20m, with the construction parts consisting of a balancer, lift net house, support poles, net rollers, and anchor rollers, while the parts of the additional equipment which consist of nets, lighting devices, boats, and transport machines as well as scoops. The average number of fishing activities for floating lift nets in non-fishing seasons is 55 trips, while in the fishing season, it is 138 trips, with different fishing areas depending on the season. Based on the investment assessment criteria, the average R/C calculation value is 3.4, the average PP value is 3.26, and the average ROI value is 34.87%. The floating lift net business at the research location is financially feasible to develop.

Dynamic livelihoods, gender and poverty in marine protected areas: Case study from Zanzibar, Tanzania

Livelihood initiatives are common within marine protected areas (MPAs) aiming for poverty alleviation or higher income opportunities. However, results can be mixed in reality, as well as change over time. Furthermore, who benefits is a key consideration, as results can vary based on inequalities, including gender. Here, the monetary outcomes of different livelihood strategies were investigated across three MPA regions in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Using a quantitative approach, the results show that livelihoods have shifted in a six-year period, with livelihood strategies differing in poverty incidence and income. Livelihood initiatives, namely seaweed farming and tourism, did not provide significantly higher monetary returns compared to long-standing livelihoods, such as fisheries. Seaweed farming showed income stability but a high poverty incidence predominantly within women-headed households. During the study period, men primarily remained in fisheries, whilst women shifted to small-scale businesses and fisheries, largely exiting seaweed farming. This underscores a need for adaptive, gender sensitive management within fast changing coastal contexts.

An exploration of drivers for small businesses to implement environmental actions in Victoria, Australia

AbstractThe adoption of environmental practices in small and medium scale businesses is increasing. Given the diverse environmental actions available to firms, it is important to understand the specific drivers for different actions to be taken. Based on managerial survey data from Victoria, Australia, this research uses modeling to determine how ethical conscience of managers drive different types of sustainable environmental actions. The results indicate that ethical conscience of managers drives waste, energy and water related actions, while external factors such as supply chain imperatives and customer demand drive circular business actions. New technology and industry guidelines were major barriers for most types of environmental actions while social barriers were significant for energy and water related actions. This implies that the increased ethical conscience of managers, especially while adopting new technology can increase the adoption of environmental actions in businesses. The results will have implications in crafting the corporate strategy and developing good and services that will aid to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and 12), focusing on sustainable cities and communities, and responsible production and consumption.

The Influence of SAK EMKM Socialization, Accounting Understanding and Education Level on the Implementation of SAK EMKM (In MSMEs in Cinambo District, Bandung City)

Definitely there are several roles played by MSMEs in driving economic growth and development throughout the country. With this being the case, financial reporting and funding challenges often plague these firms. These challenges must be resolved to achieve anything. Financial Accounting standars for micro, smalls and mediums-sized entities primary aim is to make accrual-based financial statements simpler and improve bank borrowing. Despite its benefits, Financial Accounting standars for micro, smalls and mediums-sized entities has not been implemented often, especially in Cinambo District, Bandung City. The inadequate training on how to deal with people, failure to understand business language and general lack of knowledge by small scale business operators are some of the reasons why this is happening. Several studies have found that accounting literacy is a significant determinant for the adoption of Financial Accounting standars for micro, smalls and mediums-sized entities. Objectives are set using research methods to address problems. This study uses quantitative research methodologies: descriptive and verification techniques in analyzing factors affecting the application of Simplified Financial Accounting Standards for Micro, Small, and Medium Entities (Financial Accounting standars for micro, smalls and mediums-sized entities) in Cinambo District, Bandung City, Indonesia. The appraisal of regression analysis involves an assessment of dependability, typicality, hetroscedasticity, the F test and finally the t-test. As shown by two Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.740 and 0.901, a reliability assessment demonstrates that there is satisfactory internal consistency for this measurement instrument. The test for normality indicates that it does exist. Heteroscedasticity shows no trend in the distribution of data sets. The high F value (14.811) and low significance (0.000) of the F test show that the regression model is significant. The t test shows that the variables "Socialisation of Financial Accounting standars for micro, smalls and mediums-sized entities" and "Accounting Understanding" are considerably affecting the variable "Application of Financial Accounting standars for micro, smalls and mediums-sized entities," whereas the variable "Education Level" has a less strong one.

Business Model for Small-Scale Artisan Tea Family Business

Business Model for Small-Scale Artisan Tea Family Business

The Transformative Role of Fintech in Modern Business Organizations: A Comprehensive Analysis

The power of Fintech has been growing rapidly, and it has become a world of choice for small,medium-sized and large enterprises.Fintech enterprises facilitate consumers' access to an extensive array of financial alternatives, such as business loans via digital platforms.The adoption of Fintech among SMEs is 25% globally, leaving plenty of room for growth.Small businesses may now handle their finances more easily and affordably thanks to fintech developments, which frequently provide more cheap alternatives to traditional banking services. Small businesses can leverage financial technology to enhance customer service, reduce costs, and streamline operations with the help of fintech..The impact of Fintech on small and large businesses is significant and multi-faceted.Fintech has completely changed how companies handle their money, carry out financial transactions, and obtain capital (Bulkhairova et al., 2023). It has provided small businesses with access to affordable and convenient financial services,leveling the playing field with larger companies. Furthermore, Fintech has streamlined and automated various financial processes, saving businesses time and resources. Additionally, Fintech has facilitated the development of innovative business models and the emergence of new industries. It has fostered financial inclusion by reaching underserved populations and facilitating access to banking services. Overall, Fintech has proven to be a transformative force for businesses of all sizes, offering a wide range of benefits and opportunities. Fintech is of utmost importance for both small and large scale businesses. In recent years, thanks to technological innovations , Fintech's interaction with finance is quickly altering how traditional financial services are offered, significantly impacting banks activities . Furthermore, Fintech is increasingly impacting the real economy,stimulating the modernization of financial business . It is clear that Fintech plays a crucial role in the growth and success of both small and large scale businesses. Not only does Fintech provide small and large businesses with access to affordable and convenient financial services, it also streamlines financial processes, saves time and resources, fosters innovation, and promotes financial inclusion (Sembiring et al., 2022). Keywords :fintech; small-scale businesses; large-scale businesses; financial technology; traditional financial services;banks' activities; disruptive force; alternative source of credit

Commodified State Feminism: The Entanglements of Feminist Commodity Activism and Feminist Politics in a Nordic Welfare State

Abstract This article analyzes the entanglements of feminist commodity activism and state feminism. Feminist commodity activism refers to consumption and commodified communication as modes of feminist political participation. Earlier research on these topics has focused on the business sector and on media and popular culture, largely sidelining the state as a site of feminism. This article addresses the increasingly close relations between consumerism and state politics and asks how feminist commodity activism interacts with state feminism. It draws on two empirical cases in the Nordic welfare state of Finland. The first is Uhana Design, a small-scale fashion business, and its Girl Gang campaign that leans on state feminism. The second is Finland's former leading female politicians’ engagements with feminist fashion. By analyzing these cases via three theoretical lenses, business, popular, and state feminism, this article develops the notion of commodified state feminism, paying attention to economic, cultural, and political dimensions of feminist commodity activism and state feminism. It also argues that commodified state feminism is emblematic of the current political context, in which the boundaries between market and politics have become blurred.

Contributions of Cooperative Societies to the Development of Small-Scale Industries: A Case Study of Selected Pure Water Manufacturing Firms in Aniocha South L.G.A Delta-State

The quest for economic survival has made several Nigerians delve into small-scale businesses which has improved the per-capita income of the average Nigerians, and led to the initiation of the Cooperative Scheme. This research unveils the significance of the cooperative society and its multiple effects on the small-scale firms. The benefits inherent in the cooperative societies and the small-scale business are highlighted; and its constraints, funding and prospects are equally identified. Some relevant research instruments aided the methodological approach and consequently, the justification of the empirical study. The study shows that if cooperatives play their proper role in the development of small scale business, specifically pure water manufacturing firms, other entrepreneurs will be encouraged to establish and consolidate their enterprise in a record time. Finally, based on response comparison, the study also shows that the considered factors that affect the contributions of cooperative societies to small scale business development are very significant; and hence should not be overlooked.

Contributions of Cooperative Societies to the Development of Small-Scale Industries: A Case Study of Selected Pure Water Manufacturing Firms in Aniocha South L.G.A Delta-State

The quest for economic survival has made several Nigerians delve into small-scale businesses which has improved the per-capita income of the average Nigerians, and led to the initiation of the Cooperative Scheme. This research unveils the significance of the cooperative society and its multiple effects on the small-scale firms. The benefits inherent in the cooperative societies and the small-scale business are highlighted; and its constraints, funding and prospects are equally identified. Some relevant research instruments aided the methodological approach and consequently, the justification of the empirical study. The study shows that if cooperatives play their proper role in the development of small scale business, specifically pure water manufacturing firms, other entrepreneurs will be encouraged to establish and consolidate their enterprise in a record time. Finally, based on response comparison, the study also shows that the considered factors that affect the contributions of cooperative societies to small scale business development are very significant; and hence should not be overlooked.

Factors Driving Consumer Impulse Buying On Fashion Products at Tiktok Live

The TikTok live-streaming commerce trend is swiftly gaining popularity in Indonesia, with numerous local fashion brands effectively capitalizing on this opportunity to boost their sales within a short timeframe. Previous research suggests that impulsive buying behavior serves as the underlying factor for this phenomenon. Hence, this research was carried out to investigate consumer behavior in live-streaming commerce, aiming to assist small-scale fashion businesses in enhancing their sales. The Stimulus Organism Response (SOR) Model uses price promotion, promotion time limit, streamer-consumer interaction, and consumer-consumer interaction to influence the consumer’ impulsive buying by perceived risk. The quantitative approach collected 445 data from Indonesia TikTok active users who have watched a fashion broadcast and have purchased during the broadcast. The result found that perceived risk significantly affects consumer impulsive buying behavior. The price promotion, promotion time limit, and consumer-consumer interaction were found to have a strong influence on perceived risk. Then, perceived risk-mediated promotion time limit and impulsive buying decision. It means that promotional time limits indirectly affect impulsive buying decisions. Thus, developing effective price promotion, promotion time limit, and consumer-consumer interaction strategy to drive their perceived risk making a purchase, and arrange an impactful promotion time limit tactic.

Computer and ICT Skills Level of Small-Scale Business Organization Employees: Basis for Company Intervention Program

An increasing number of businesses now rely on computer technology to complete tasks. For this reason, possessing computer skills has become increasingly crucial This study aimed to assess the computer and ICT skills of employees in small-scale business organizations. The researcher administered a survey questionnaire to a purposive sample of 28 employees from small-scale business organizations, and the quantitative data gathered was organized and processed using SPSS version 17.0. The explanatory design employed unstructured interviews with non-probability sampled respondents to collect qualitative data. Thematic analysis was used to establish themes arising from the qualitative responses. Findings revealed that employees in these organizations have a low level of competence in performing office tasks, such as basic computer operations, file management, word processing, database use, and network use. There are no significant differences in computer and ICT skill levels among employees in small-scale business organizations when grouped by educational attainment, length of service, and gender. Based on the interviewees' responses, common themes emerged, such as poor internet connectivity, an unreliable power supply, a lack of funds to purchase gadgets that can access the internet, a lack of knowledge and interest in learning, and a lack of time to attend a short program related to computers and ICT are the reasons for low levels of computer and ICT skills. Tutorials and self-study are common strategies employees use to accomplish assigned tasks in the office.

Factors Limiting Credit Uptake among the Youth in Kenya

Purpose: This study explores the factors limiting credit uptake among Kenyan youth, a demographic comprising about 75% of the country's population yet facing high unemployment and barriers in accessing credit to start businesses.
 Methodology: The study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with 20 Kenyan youth entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) who sought credit, and four focus groups with 6-8 diverse participants. Purposive sampling recruited participants who pursued credit within the past two years. Thematic analysis identified themes from the inductively coded interview and focus group data. Ethical protocols were followed. Validity and reliability were enhanced through triangulation, member checking, maintaining an audit trail, and strategies to minimize bias.
 Findings: The inadequate funding by easily accessible credit services such as the Hustler Fund is one of the notable impediments hindering the youth from starting small-scale business enterprises. Other barriers include stringent borrower age, business operational lifespan, and employability and minimum wage limit eligibility criteria.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends government partnerships with private lenders, relaxed eligibility criteria for youth, credit guarantees or collateral support, expansion of low-risk credit products, and initiatives to build youth's banking histories. These recommendations integrate theoretical perspectives on financial literacy, social influences, and individual or systemic factors shaping credit behaviors. The study contributes to practice by proposing context-specific interventions tailored to Kenyan youth. Policy-wise, it aims to empower this valuable economic resource by improving credit access and harnessing their entrepreneurial potential.

Impact of Small-Scale Business Organization on Economic Development: A Case Study of Hamdala Special Bread Bakery Kwangwara, Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria


 
 
 This work has revealed clearly that small scale businesses has suffered a lot of set back as a result of lack of amenities, poor funding, economic of scale, improper management, illiteracy and other factors. The source of finance of small businesses are not enough to help them expand as expected. Small scale business has impact on the development of a country through provision of jobs, revenue generation to government and to also a boost to the standard of living. Also it was also realized that government intervention is weak and need to be enforced. The research design and procedure for data analysis and test of hypothesis revealed that this study is based on the following: government programs and policies, economic growth and development, job creation and poverty alleviation. From the finding of this research, the small scale business has impact on economic development because it has been able to create job and alleviate poverty. However, government intervention to small scale business is not encouraging, more policies should be profound and implemented properly.
 
 

The Role of Ecotourism to Income of Small-Scale Business Women in Arumeru District, Tanzania

The Role of Ecotourism to Income of Small-Scale Business Women in Arumeru District, Tanzania

Exploring the nexus of innovation management, ultraviolet irradiation, and business scale: implications for sustainable fruit and vegetable preservation during the COVID-19 era

Innovation management stands as a pivotal driver in attaining enduring sustainability in livelihoods. However, its progress can face formidable obstacles, encompassing the complexities arising from human perceptions. This research delved into the realm of innovation management within the context of fruit and vegetable preservation, with a keen focus on the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the perceptual evaluations surrounding the viability of utilizing ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for this purpose. The perceived effectiveness of UV irradiation in fruit and vegetable preservation was found to be significantly influenced by factors, such as cost, safety, and limited understanding. The respondents' preference for preserved fruits and vegetables was most significantly influenced by the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, as indicated by a mean score of 4.6. Notably, around 50.9% of the participants demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the use of ultraviolet irradiation as a preservation technology. In addition, approximately 21.6% of the respondents expressed disinterest in adopting ultraviolet irradiation for preserving fruits and vegetables. In contrast, a smaller percentage of participants, merely 12.3%, showed a positive inclination towards employing ultraviolet irradiation in the preservation process. Interestingly, approximately 15.2% of respondents remained undecided and did not express a definitive preference concerning their willingness to utilize ultraviolet irradiation for preserving fruits and vegetables. Notably, the analysis has revealed a compelling trend, with a substantial portion of participants (63%) perceiving medium-sized enterprises involved in fruit and vegetable processing technologies as displaying notably low levels of motivation for innovation during the COVID-19 era. A similar viewpoint was shared by 51% of respondents regarding large-scale businesses. In stark contrast, the survey has illuminated a striking disparity, as small-scale businesses exhibited significantly heightened innovation motivation at 28%, surpassing the modest 10% observed in both medium-sized and large-scale counterparts. This pronounced variation in innovation motivation across diverse business scales highlights the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on their inclination towards embracing innovation. These findings offer invaluable insights into the intricacies governing innovation management within the fruit and vegetable preservation sector amidst the challenging COVID-19 period.

The potential for blockchain to improve small-scale agri-food business’ supply chain resilience: a systematic review

PurposeWe conducted a systematic review to explore the potential for the application of blockchain technologies for supply chain resilience in a small-scale agri-food business context.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the research methodology, scientific databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to find relevant articles for this review.FindingsThe systematic review of articles (n = 57) found that the use of blockchain technology in the small-scale agri-food business sector can reduce the risk of food fraud by assuring the provenance of food products.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a few papers were directly from a small-scale agribusiness context. Key challenges that limit the implementation of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies include concerns over the disclosure of proprietary information and trade secrets, incomplete or inaccurate information, economic and technical difficulties, low levels of trust in the technology, risk of human error and poor governance of process-related issues.Originality/valueThe application of blockchain technology ensures that the risks and costs associated with non-compliance, product recalls and product loss are reduced. Improved communication and information sharing can increase resilience and better support provenance claims and traceability. Better customer relationships can be built, increasing supply chain efficiency and resilience.